The Arts Council aims to publish its new strategy in September. As part of the second phase of consultation about this document, the Council will be accepting submissions on its draft strategy until 1 July 2005. The draft has been informed by findings from a series of themed meetings with the arts community and with individuals working outside the arts. Around 70 small meetings, held over six months, sought views about the future of the arts in Ireland and the role of the Arts Council. In addition 96 written submissions, following advertisements earlier in the year that requested views, were made to the Council on the theme: The arts in Ireland, what do you think? The draft strategy outlines five areas in which the Arts Council proposes to concentrate its work over the next three years. The Council proposes:

to assist artists to realise their artistic ambitions;

to strengthen arts organisations countrywide so as to secure the basis of a vibrant and stable arts community;

to make it possible for people to extend and enhance their experiences of the arts;

to promote and reaffirm the value of the arts in society and

to ensure the Arts Council works effectively. Accompanying the draft is a series of policy statements summarising the Arts Council’s proposed approach to: architecture, artists, arts and disability, arts and health, arts in schools, dance, European Cultural Contact point, festivals and events, film, the international dimension of the arts, literature (English language) and litriocht na Gaeilge, local arts, music, opera, participatory arts, production companies, public art, resource organisations, theatre, traditional arts, venues and visual arts. Copies of the draft strategy are available to download, HERE For further information, CLICK HERE